A gentle, glimmering stream winds through the serene landscapes of Kaeng Sua Ten National Park, a natural haven that might soon face drastic changes due to the proposed Kaeng Sua Ten Dam. (Photo: Thiti Wannamontha)
In an ambitious move to alleviate severe flooding in the Yom River basin in northern Thailand, the government plans to breathe life back into a massive 200-billion-baht water management project. With this revitalization effort, the contentious Kaeng Sua Ten dam comes back into the spotlight. On a brisk Saturday, Phumtham Wechayachai, the caretaker deputy prime minister, revealed plans to present this water improvement agenda to the national cabinet, requesting a budget of 200 billion baht.
This grand plan, first envisioned by Yingluck Shinawatra’s administration more than a decade ago, was abruptly halted by the 2014 coup. The Yom River, originating from the majestic Phi Pan Nam Range in Phayao’s Pong district, meanders its way through Phayao, Phrae, and Sukhothai, providing essential water resources before merging with the Nan River in Nakhon Sawan’s Chum Saeng district.
“If folks agree, we [the government] would definitely revisit the plan to ensure the Yom River has flood storage zones, similar to the Ping, Wang, and Nan rivers,” Phumtham declared as he handed out 200 relief bags to flood-impacted residents in Sukhothai province. “To those in opposition, I urge you to converse with those who’ve wrestled with floods their entire lives; their voices have weight.”
The Yingluck administration contemplated this initiative in 2011 with an estimated budget between 2-3 trillion baht. Today, that figure could soar to 5-6 trillion. At a recent local forum, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra underscored the urgency for the new government to embark on numerous “megaprojects,” particularly aimed at resolving Thailand’s persistent flooding and drought issues.
Plodprasop makes the case
Advocating the construction of the Kaeng Suea Ten Dam in Phrae is Plodprasop Suraswadi, former Royal Forestry Department chief and deputy premier under Yingluck’s tenure. On his Facebook page, Plodprasop highlighted the urgent need, citing torrential rains that unleashed 500 to 700 millimeters over five days in Phayao, Nan, and Phrae, translating to about 5 billion cubic meters of water rushing into the Yom River at Phrae at a mammoth rate of 1,700 cubic meters per second.
As waters surged towards Sukhothai, authorities hastily erected soil barriers and concrete walls along the riverbanks, devoid of substantial structural reinforcements, especially at the foundations. “Such walls might protect the community from modest water levels. But when water levels surge, they’ll overflow uncontrollably,” he warned. He painted a grim picture of potential disasters as strong currents, especially near river bends, might fracture these walls, posing dire risks to community safety.
Plodprasop passionately argued for a water diversion project leveraging the Had Saphan Chan water gate, spanning over a 30-kilometer distance, to be spearheaded within a year to prevent catastrophic flooding repetitions. “For Phrae, the Kaeng Suea Ten Dam isn’t just an option; it’s a necessity. We can’t leave the Yom River in such an unbridled state,” he added emphatically.
Many risks to consider
Hannarong Yaowalers, chairman of the Foundation for Integration of Water Management, offers a critical perspective. “Anyone advocating for the Kaeng Suea Ten Dam should grasp all facets of the issue,” he stated. Current plans for the dam indicate a capacity of 1,175 million cubic meters of water. However, feasibility studies fluctuate wildly, suggesting flooded areas between 45,625 rai to a staggering 65,625 rai, a difference too substantial to ignore.
In 1995, the National Environment Board flagged four paramount concerns demanding further scrutiny: earthquake risks, social impacts, public health facilitation, and environmental repercussions connected to the Kaeng Suea Ten Dam, none of which have seen resolutions. Hannarong called for exhaustive fresh studies, considering over 30 years have elapsed, and socio-economic, ecological dynamics have evolved. “Nowadays, communities wield greater strength, armed with information, and are resistant to forced relocations,” he noted, recommending public consultations to truly gauge local sentiment.
Meanwhile, caretaker Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin suggested that Sukhothai, often besieged by floods, should have its own substantial dam. He pointed out a troubling figure: while the Yom River in Si Satchanalai district can handle a flow of 1,900 cubic meters per second, by the time it reaches Sukhothai, it can only manage 500 cubic meters per second.
Building this dam is a no-brainer! If we don’t do something, the flooding will keep destroying homes and livelihoods.
Are you serious? Damming a river disrupts ecosystems and displaces countless wildlife. There has to be a better way.
Wildlife? What about human lives? People are suffering every year from these floods. Priorities, EcoWarrior!
The balance between human needs and environmental impacts is delicate. Both sides need to be considered carefully.
Maybe they can find a solution that helps both? Some modern engineering projects do take wildlife into account.
This project will be a financial black hole! 200 billion baht could be used for more sustainable projects.
A substantial dam will pay for itself in flood mitigation and water management. Long-term benefits outweigh short-term costs.
But what about maintenance costs? Dams need continuous investment. How will that affect taxpayers?
Exactly, Larry! That’s why these projects end up costing way more than expected. History repeats!
Why not invest in river widening and other natural methods? Destroying forests for dams isn’t the answer.
River widening might be less intrusive, but it could also be less effective. The scale of the problem needs a robust solution.
Living near the Yom River, I can assure you the annual floods are horrific. I’m tired of fixing my house every year.
I feel for you. Infrastructure improvements are needed, but I also worry about the long-term environmental costs.
It’s not just about you. Many people will lose their homes if the land is flooded for the dam.
If the dam can stop this madness, isn’t it worth some sacrifices? I want my kids to grow up without flood trauma.
Studies of the dam’s impact are crucial. We can’t rush into this without understanding the full implications.
Absolutely. We need a balanced approach, respecting both human and environmental considerations.
Agreed. We need a comprehensive environmental impact assessment before even considering this project.
We should focus on reforestation and natural water absorption methods. Dams are a relic of outdated thinking.
That’s idealistic but not practical at the current scale of the problem. Dams provide more immediate relief.
Reforestation should indeed be part of the solution, possibly in conjunction with technological interventions.
Relocating people due to dam construction is traumatic. Can we justify that for a project whose benefits are uncertain?
People are already suffering from floods. Sometimes the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.
The benefits must be made crystal clear before displacing anyone. Government transparency is crucial here.
Not every problem can be solved with concrete and steel. We should be looking at long-term, sustainable methods.
I think it’s worth exploring smaller, less invasive flood defenses first. Dams should be the last resort, not the first.
It’s fascinating to see how different countries handle flood management. Hope Thailand can find a balanced solution.
It’s sad to see such a beautiful area potentially destroyed. Is there really no better way?
I’m skeptical of these big projects ever working as intended. They tend to benefit contractors more than communities.
Cynicism aside, there have been successful dam projects globally. Accountability and transparency are key.
Our rivers are not just resources to be tamed. They are living ecosystems that deserve respect.
The balance of nature has provided us with the means to control these waters. Why should we interfere so drastically?
Phrae is a historic town. If this dam ruins our heritage sites, it would be a huge loss.
Dams can be designed to respect historic sites and natural beauty. It’s about thoughtful planning.